After canceling the Australian leg of her MDNA tour, Madonna has posted an audio message to fans on YouTube apologizing for the nixed shows. "I am really and truly sorry to have disappointed you and that's something that I don't feel very good about," she begins. Though she had thought about writing a letter, Madonna says, she thought the audio clip would be a more direct way to reach fans.

"My children are my first priority," Madonna explains, describing the difficulty of balancing her jobs as a singer and mother. Because her children are older, Madonna notes, she cannot take them on the road with her constantly, and says she would feel like an "irresponsible parent" if she didn't take time at the end of the year to be with them.

"I don't take your love and your support for me for granted," she says as she wraps up her statement. "Please forgive me and know that when I do come to Australia, I will have made the wait worth your while and I will put on the greatest show on Earth. I haven't forgotten about you."

Madonna's Australian leg would've been her first shows in the country in 20 years.